WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the Senate Banking Committee will hold a hearing on the necessity of Iran sanctions. A mark-up is scheduled to follow on Thursday regarding the Nuclear Weapon Free Iran Act of 2015.

In response, Penny Nance, CEO and President of Concerned Women for America Legislative Action Committee (CWALAC), said this:

“Today is a reminder of the horrific persecution the Jewish people have faced throughout their history. Concerned Women for America recognizes the resiliency of the Jewish people and is committed to supporting the nation of Israel. The Israeli officials I have spoken with recently have stated that Israel’s number one threat is a nuclear Iran. This threat is echoed by Iranian leaders’ continued calls to wipe Israel off the map.

During my trip to Israel, I was reminded of what can happen when Christians don’t step forward and act on behalf of the Jewish people. While there, I visited Yad Vashem, Israel’s Holocaust Museum. The architecture on the outside is beautiful, but when you walk inside, the mood is very dark because it chronicles the systematic murder of six million Jews at the hands of Adolf Hitler and the Nazis. It also chronicles something else: the fact that an overwhelming number of Christians were indifferent to what was happening right in front of them. Thankfully, when you walk outside again, you are reminded of the few that did stand up; a grove of trees stands as a memorial to the righteous among the nations–those who fought against evil. It was people like Corrie ten Boom, who understood the truth about what was happening. We must learn from their example.”

Concerned Women for America Legislative Action Committee:

“The bill before the Senate Banking Committee is a diplomatic insurance policy–one that seeks to incentivize Iran in reaching a deal on their nuclear capabilities with the P5+1 (the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council plus Germany). Despite the Administration’s continued veto threats, Congress recognizes the threat of a nuclear Iran and the legislatures need to exhibit strength.

Regarding the rhetoric from the White House which says that Iran will walk away from negotiations if Congress passes a bill dealing with sanctions, former Foreign Relations Chairman, Senator Bob Menendez (D-New Jersey) stated, ‘It is counterintuitive that somehow Iran will walk away because of some sanctions that would never take place if they strike a deal.’”

For more information or an interview with Penny Nance, please contact Hannah Wegman at hwegman@cwfa.org or 202-488-7000.

Concerned Women for America Legislative Action Committee is the legislative arm of Concerned Women for America, the nation’s largest public policy women’s organization with 500,000 participating members across the country, over 450 Prayer/Action Chapters and Home Teams, 600 trained leaders, and over 30 years of service to our nation.